Obituary

Obituary of Coleene Lockwood

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Dorothy Coleene Lockwood, age 90, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Sunday, January 2, 2022, at the Presbyterian Village in Ft. Scott.

She was born April 1, 1931, in Hammond, Oklahoma, the daughter of Ross Ball and Sally Allen Ball.

Following the death of her mother, Coleene, moved to Ft. Scott to live with her sister and brother-in-law. This is where she caught the eye of Grant Lockwood, the young man who lived across the road.

Coleene and Grant were married on April 6, 1951, at Bentonville, Arkansas, while Grant was on leave from the Army. In 1953, following Grant’s service during the Korean Conflict, Grant and Coleene reopened Lockwood Motor Supply. They continued to work side by side at the family business until Grant’s health forced their retirement. Grant passed away on January 17, 1998.

Coleene enjoyed mowing and keeping up her yard, as well as listening to music and spending time with her grandchildren. She was a member of Community Christian Church.

Survivors include two sons, Steve Lockwood and wife, Joyce and Carey Lockwood and wife, Connie, all of Ft. Scott; seven grandchildren, Jack Lockwood (Stephanie), of Girard, Kansas, Jeremy Lockwood, of Ft. Scott, Michael Lockwood (Tanya) also of Ft. Scott and Ashley Gledhill (Matt) of Lansing, Kansas, Kimberly Pierce (Lee) of Olathe, Kansas, Timothy Lockwood (Maria) also of Olathe and Stacy Lockwood of Tucson, Arizona and twelve great-grandchildren. Also surviving is a brother, Keith Ball.

In addition to her husband, Coleene was preceded in death by her parents, five brothers and two sisters.

Rev. Kevin Moyers will conduct funeral services at 2:00 P.M. Friday, January 7th at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will follow in the Memory Gardens Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 P.M. Thursday at the Cheney Witt Chapel

. Memorials are suggested to the American Heart Association and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Government, Health Care, Kansas

Kansas sees a 54% increase in drug overdoses in first 6 months of 2021 

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TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) continues to highlight the importance of overdose prevention resources and education amid increased drug overdose deaths in 2021. Provisional surveillance results from the State Unintentional Drug Overdose Reporting System (SUDORS) show that at least 338 Kansas residents have died of drug overdose between January 1, 2021 and June 30, 2021. The tally represents a 54% increase from the 220 drug overdose deaths identified by SUDORS surveillance in the same 6-month time frame in 2020. Provisional data represents the most current estimates and is subject to change.

SUDORS collects information regarding unintentional and undetermined intent drug overdose deaths. It combines various data sources, including death certificates, medical examiner and coroner reports, and law enforcement reports to provide insight into circumstances surrounding overdose deaths. SUDORS is administered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and more information can be found on their website.

Of the provisional 338 deaths, 149 involved fentanyl or fentanyl analogs, 149 involved methamphetamine and 40 involved other licit and illicit drugs, such as cocaine, benzodiazepines and prescription opioids. More than one drug can be involved in a fatal drug overdose, so these values are not mutually exclusive.

Fentanyl continues to drive the uptick in fatal drug overdoses in Kansas. This is largely attributed to increased availability, accessibility and use of illegally manufactured fentanyl statewide. Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is often combined with other drugs, such as heroin and cocaine, or used as a standalone drug. Due to its potency, fentanyl-involved overdoses have a fast onset and may be difficult to reverse.

There are several resources available to prevent drug overdoses. Recovery from SUD is possible. Those in need of help can call Kansas’s SUD hotline at 866-645-8216 or visit FindTreatment.gov to locate treatment services. People who use drugs and their support networks have access to naloxone and are trained in overdose recognition and naloxone administration procedures. Naloxone is a medication that reverses the effects of opioid overdoses. Kansas allows pharmacists to dispense naloxone to patients without a prescription pursuant to KAR 68-7-23. Visit ktracs.ks.gov/pharmacists/naloxone-dispensing to find a naloxone-dispensing pharmacy near you.

DCCCA, Inc. has a naloxone program that is funded by the Kansas Department of Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) through the State Opioid Response (SOR) grant. DCCCA has a limited supply of naloxone kits available for those who are unable to access it through a local pharmacy or other means. Additionally, DCCCA offers free naloxone training. Please visit dccca.org/naloxone-program for more information.

Please visit PreventOverdoseKS.org for resources, epidemiological data, and more information on Kansas’s efforts to prevent drug overdoses.

Church news, Food

Drive-Through Soup Lunch Fundraiser Jan. 21

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First United Methodist Church at Third Street and National Avenue,

The First United Methodist Church, 301 S. National, will host a drive-through soup lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Friday, January 21, 2022. 

There will be a selection of soups and a dessert for a free-will offering. 

Meals will be served under the drive-through on National. 

The sponsor of this fundraiser is Feeding Families in His Name.

 

Submitted by Marla Gorman

Administrative Assistant

First United Methodist Church

Business, Fort Scott

Upper Cut Salon: New Shop That Gives Back to Community

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Tanya Glessner. Submitted photo.
 Tanya Glessner is the owner and stylist of Upper Cut Salon, Fort Scott, which opened for business on November 12, 2021.
Glessner has been a stylist for 16 years.
“I chose this career because I grew up in a salon watching and helping my mom, Laura Brown,  in her salon,” Glessner said. “I always loved how her clients became family and no matter what was going on in their lives they always walked away looking and feeling good because of her talent and company. Now I get to share this experience with my clients. I can’t imagine doing anything else.”
Glessner operates her business in her home.
Upper Cut Salon interior. Submitted photo.
“Having the salon in my home also has the benefit of privacy and comfort for all my clients without the hustle and bustle of a typical salon,” she said. “It’s one-on-one and personal. I also have the benefit of flexible hours. So there’s no set work schedule. I schedule appointments based on my client’s needs every day of the week. I also make house calls for the elderly and those who aren’t able to leave their home.”
“Every Tuesday I offer $10 haircuts for everyone,” she said. “And every day I offer $10 haircuts for EMS, firefighters, veterans, law enforcement officers, and anyone currently in the military with proof. It’s my way of giving back to those in the frontline of our community.”
Upper Cut Salon services and prices. Submitted photo.
Submitted photo.
“And for those who follow the salon on Facebook I always have something new going on each month,” she said.
The shop is located at 408 Jefferson Street, Fort Scott,  and can be reached at  620-224-6704.

Obituary

Obituary of Edward Keating

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Edward L. Keating, age 74, resident of Ft. Scott, KS, died Saturday, January 1, 2022, at his home from complications of COPD and lifelong lung problems. He was born December 17, 1947, in Mound City, KS, the son of Thomas L. and Lois Casteel Keating.

Survivors include his wife Deborah of 44 years; two brothers, Jerrold Keating (Pam), Forney, TX, and David Keating (Dawn), Springfield, MO; Also surviving are several best friends, Rob Begley (Terri), Paul Modlin (Angie & Britney), Jack Vosberg (Judy), Anh P. Tran (Cathy), Dr. Mark Yagan, Chic and Jan, Glen Logan (Laura), and Brother Thomas Sullivan, OSB; as well as other family in-laws, aunts and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his step-father John R. (Bud) Harrison; his parents Thomas and Lois; and grandparents Lawrence and Mary Keating and Lester and Zelma Casteel.

Private family burial will take place in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery.

A public Memorial Mass will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers and donations, Ed wished people to take their loved one out to a favorite restaurant in his memory.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main St., Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Opinion

Sharpshooters Don’t Miss the Mark By Carolyn Tucker

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Carolyn Tucker. Submitted photo.

Keys to the Kingdom

 

Several years ago my son Aaron decided to pursue a concealed carry permit. After completing the classroom instruction, it was time to prove his proficiency with a handgun. All he had to do was shoot about 30 rounds anywhere into the silhouette. After shooting the target, the concealed carry instructor asked Aaron if he would like to help teach the next class because he had hit the center X every time.

Believers need to make sure we’re doing our best to stay on target. In today’s culture it’s easy to get sidetracked from pursuing God and practicing holy living. The apostle Paul instructs the Church in Philippi, “Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me — everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you” (Philippians 4:8,9 NLT). On what are you fixing your thoughts and sights?

Christians are to have a different mindset from unbelievers. Determining and doing the right thing is not always the popular or easy thing. “It is quite true that the way to live a godly life is not an easy matter. But the answer lies in Christ…. ” (1 Timothy 3:16 TLB). If we aren’t intentionally aiming at righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, and gentleness of heart, the odds are excellent for missing the mark every time. Living a godly life in Christ is not a haphazard coincidence or a lucky shot in the dark.

The Old Testament Israelites had turned their backs on the one true living God and were asking a good-for-nothing idol to tell them what to do. Their idols had misdirected them and caused them to think and live foolishly. Almighty God was the only One who knew how to help, guide, and love them. Hosea 4:11 TLB: “Wine, women, and song have robbed my people of their brains.“ The Israelites had really missed the mark when they deserted God and aimed their prayers to a worthless idol.

God didn’t want the Israelites’ sacrifices, He wanted their love. He didn’t want their offerings, He wanted them to know Him. God hasn’t changed; He wants the same from us today. “Come, let us return to the Lord. In just a short time He will restore us so that we may live in His presence. Oh, that we might know the Lord! Let us press on to know Him” (Hosea 6:1a,2,3a NLT). Are you currently in pursuit of knowing Him?

Believers are to look through the scope and line up our lives in the crosshairs of His Word. Perpetual distractions can mess up our aim and cause us to miss the target. “So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come close to God, and God will come close to you” (James 4:7,8a NLT). The closer we get to God, the more He is magnified and the smaller we become. John the Baptist said, “He [Jesus] must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30 NKJV).

“Let love be your greatest aim….“ (1 Corinthians 14:1a TLB). We know that God is love, therefore, we could also say, “Let God be your greatest aim.”

The Key: If your sights are set on knowing God intimately, your aim is right on target!

Obituary

Obituary of Michael Hansen

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Michael L. Hansen, 66, of Fort Scott, Kansas, passed away Friday afternoon December 24, 2021, at Via Christi Pittsburg. He was born in Wakefield, Nebraska, on January 19, 1955, the son of Louie M. and Edna M. (Baker) Hansen.  He married Karen Roth on July 17, 1982, in Parkston, South Dakota, and she survives of the home. They have two sons, Robert Hansen, of Fort Scott, and Nicholas Hansen, also of the home, who survive, as well as cousins, nephews, and great-nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother and sister-in-law, Roger and Lynnett Hansen, and brother-in-law Ronald Roth.

Mike served twenty-two and half years in the Army Nation Guard. He served as a high school construction trades teacher for USD 250 and USD 234 until his retirement. After Mike’s retirement from the national guard, he and his wife operated Hansen Honey-do-Repairs until his passing. He enjoyed participating in and watching tractor pulls, but most of all he loved being with his family and friends. He was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church of Fort Scott, the American Legion Post #25, the American Legion Post #25 Color Guard, and the Bourbon County Garden Tractor Pullers Association.

The Family will receive friends Friday evening from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm January 7, 2022, at the Trinity Lutheran Church at 2824 S. Horton St., Fort Scott, Kansas. Pastor Mike Apfel will officiate funeral services at 1:00 pm, Saturday, January 8, 2022, at the Trinity Lutheran Church. Memorials may be made to either the American Legion Post #25, The American Legion Post #25 Color Guard, the American Heart Association, or Trinity Lutheran Church, and may be left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15W. Wall Street, P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, Kansas 66701.  Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.

Additional memorial services will take place on January 21, 2022, at 1:00 pm at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Wayne, Nebraska, with burial following at the Wakefield Cemetery, under the direction of the Hasemann Funeral Home of Wayne, Nebraska.

 

Business, COVID-19, Fort Scott, Government, Health Care, Housing

Positive Events in Fort Scott: Mayor Jones

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Fort Scott Mayor Josh Jones.

Fort Scott Mayor Josh Jones said many positive events happened in the community this past year, and the city is poised for some promising events in the new year.

“A lot of things done in 2021 laid the groundwork for 2022 and we expect a lot of 2021 things to be executed in 2022,” Jones said.

The following is what Jones provided fortscott.biz as accomplishments.

In 2021, the Fort Scott City Commission:

1. Refinanced city bonds saving $15,500 per year over the next five years.
2. Passed a half-cent sales tax with 90% of revenue going towards streets and 10% going towards parks. This money will start coming in, in 2022.
3. Started an in-house safety training program saving the city $15,000 per year.
4. Utilized the Firstsource Building for  Southeast Kansas Multi-County Health Department’s giving mass vaccines during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
5. Put out Requests for Qualifications for a new city attorney leading to the city commission hiring a city attorney saving the city approximately $200,000 a year.
6. Approved to enter into a cost-sharing venture with the Bourbon County Commission for joint purchase of materials and equipment.
7. Approved a conditional use permit for an area south of town to allow a micro-meat processing plant to build a facility,  which will create about 30 jobs.
8. Implemented the SeeClickFix app, which allows citizens to report road problems and code nuisances.
9. Started semi-monthly roller skating sessions at Buck Run Community Center for an added amenity for the community.
10. Moved city-county emergency dispatch to the Bourbon County Courthouse.
11. Improved the beach area at Lake Fort Scott.
12. Sold the Firstsource Building for $315,000.
13. Sold four Lake Fort Scott lots for approximately $500,000.
14. Entered into a shared services agreement with Bourbon County for information technology services, saving approximately $30,000 per year.
15. Used $200,000 of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for a feasibility study for re-use of the former Mercy Hospital Building as a hospital.
16. Reworked and finalized setting up the Fort Scott Land Bank which focuses on the conversion of vacant, abandoned, tax-delinquent, or otherwise underused properties into productive use.
17. Approved $2,000 bonuses for all emergency services workers that work for the city.
18. Entered into an agreement with Bourbon County REDI (Regional Economic Development, Inc.) to provide economic development services for the City of Fort Scott,  saving approximately $100,000 a year.
19. Repaired over one mile of city sewer lines.
20. Entered into an agreement with the Kansas Department of Transportation for traffic signal upgrades in 2022 on Highway 69.
21. Was awarded a $50,000 grant from T-Mobile Internet for upgrades to the Skubitz Plaza area on the north end of historic downtown Fort Scott.

 

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Minutes for Dec. 7

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December 7, 2021                      Tuesday at 9 am

 

The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with Lynne, Jim, Clifton, the County Counselor, and the County Clerk.

Those in attendance: Bob Jackson, Jason Silvers, Clint Walker, Anne Dare, Kevin Davidson, and Ben Cole.

Clifton made a motion to approve the minutes from the previous meeting; Jim seconded, all approved.

 

Eric had no permits.  We have two items on Purple Wave with an expiration of January 11, 2022.  We have received two bids at this point.  The bridge on 160th south of Fern has a timeline of October 17th for bids.  Windmills – they are continuing the reclaiming process.  The windmills are in the testing phase.

 

Bill Martin stated that Deputy Bobby Jackson was there to discuss the SRO position that is currently funded by grant monies and is wondering what the county wants to do to continue this position.  Clifton made a motion to amend the agenda to have Jim Harris speak first on the SRO position with Deputy Bobby Jackson to follow.  Jim seconded.  All approved.

 

Jim stated the SRO position is nothing new.  It is needed in our school system and if we can work with the City of Fort Scott and USD 234 we need to.  We have to take this seriously.  Bill Martin stated that he wanted it on record that the Fort Scott School District already has an SRO position in place.  That position is funded by the city and the school district.  Jim stated that the position in Uniontown is funded by a grant that Bill obtained.  I believe that there needs to be more coverage for both schools.  Bill stated that he has tried since he has been sheriff to get an officer for the Uniontown school district.  Two years ago we received a grant to fund this position.  Deputy Jackson stated that he is the SRO for the Uniontown school district and is responsible for 483 students plus faculty and administration.  I have all confidence in the Fort Scott Police Department.  You are willing to fund a position at the school in Fort Scott and in the past, this commission has not been willing to fund the same for Uniontown.  Susan Bancroft stated that we are supporting USD 234 because 25% of this grant is paid for by the county.  Bill stated, in conclusion all children’s lives matter and there should be SRO officers in every school in the nation.  Clifton stated that we wasn’t sure what was being asked.  The SRO position is paid for over the next year and a half.  Bill stated that this would be brought up again at budget time next year for the 2023 year.  Jim made a motion for Bourbon County to enter into an agreement with the City of Fort Scott and U234 school district in a joint shared service SRO position to be utilized for USD 234.  Justin Meeks requested a motion be made for an executive session.  Clifton made a motion to go into executive session for 15 minutes, KSA 75-4319(b)(2) For consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship.  Possible litigation returning at 9:42am.  Jim seconded.  All approved.  This will include the 3 commissioners and county counselor.  Clifton made the motion to resume normal session at 9:42am with some action.  Jim seconded.  All approved.  Jim withdrew his motion of the SRO position until further notice.  Clifton seconded.  Jim stated that the county counselor and city attorney need to be involved checking out some legality parts of it that needs to be addressed.  My intent was to start the process with that motion but we need to get some other folks involved before I finalize that motion. All approved.

 

Lora Holdridge presented a road closing.  They are going to Mr. Oberst a new entrance into his field so that he’s not coming off Hwy 7.  Clifton asked if there were two landowners on this closing and Lora confirmed.  Lora stated both landowners were in favor.  Jim asked Eric if he had any complaints or concerns with the one off of Hwy 7 on Deer Rd.  Eric stated no.  Lora stated when the landowners found out that the county wouldn’t be maintaining the whole road, the landowners didn’t want to close the whole road.  The second closing will be on next week’s agenda and it will be the whole road.  Lynne made a motion to adopt resolution 31-21 vacating a road in Pawnee Township in Bourbon County, KS.  Jim seconded.  All approved.

 

Lynne stated the resolution in support of Landowner Rights had been reviewed and needed modification.  I believe, we as commissioners should make the modifications.  Justin stated that he had reviewed it and would need input from the commissioners.  This resolution would be trumped by any state or federal statutes.  Lynne stated this would be discussed the first meeting in January.

 

Lynne stated Michael Dallman, from Dept of Revenue, will be giving a presentation of ratio study results and valuation appeal data to the county commission.  We have to go through this process at the state level.  Mr. Dallman stated that by statute we have to have conversation with counties regarding prior year regarding compliance.  A scorecard is used to determine compliance.  He gave a review of the 2021 substantial compliance review.  He stated Matt Quick is doing a good job and some of the issues on the report have already been taken care of by Matt and doesn’t foresee them being an issue in the future.

 

Lora Holdridge brought a second road closing.  Jim asked Eric if he had any recommendations.  Eric said they had looked at it and supported a closing.  He stated it is a very low maintenance road.  He requested getting the “dead end” sign back.  Lynne made a motion to pass resolution 32-21 vacation of a portion of Valley Road.  Clifton seconded.  All approved.

 

Justin asked for an executive session for attorney – client privilege.  A study was done in 2006 in regard to an overpass over Burlington Northern that runs through the city of Fort Scott.  Traffic flow has been a problem getting to the east side of town.  The study then indicated a cost of $78,000,000.00.  There are some things happening currently in our county that has brought this back to importance.  We have some infrastructure monies that could be potentially coming down the pike with economic development.  With your permission I would like to work with Mr. Harrington on this to get some funding.  Lynne made a motion to give Justin permission to work with Mr. Harrington on the overpass project.  Jim seconded.  All approved.  Justin asked for an executive session for 15 minutes.  It is a contractual issue between the commissioners and the healthcare provider.  Clifton made a motion for an executive session KSA 75-4319(b)(2) For consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship including three commissioners and county counselor for 15 minutes returning at 11:09am.  Jim seconded.  All approved.  Clifton made a motion to return to normal session at 11:09am with no action.  Lynne seconded.  All approved.

 

Justin gave a quick update on the tax sale.  Sale date is still planned for January 13th and hoping to have a sale each 4 months following the first.

 

Susan stated that budget amendments would be coming next week.  There will be four funds that will need amendments.  We received more cash and just giving authority to spend.  I’ve worked with the Clerk’s office and have balanced through October, but October isn’t listed on here.  We have January through September and then we finished up October last night.  Susan handed out reports to each commissioner.  There is about $21,000.00 that needs to be cleaned up.  There is $21,000 more than what is indicated.  There are some entries that weren’t made and need to be.  This is one account and there are three more.  This is my main focus.  When I get done with all accounts, I will bring you every account reconciled and a cash report from CIC and those two should match.  Once we get to that point we are in balance.  I’ve met with Shane Walker and Eric Bailey and let them know where they stand at this point.  I was asked by the Chairman to get some type of request form to get on the agenda.  So that we have some idea upfront what is going to be discussed, gives time for you to prepare, and also asking people to give us documents so that you have time ahead to review.  Susan gave a copy of the form to each commissioner.  The form will go to Susan initially.  She will review and then get it to Ashley.  This will allow the commissioners to know ahead of time what topics will be discussed.  Susan asked for an executive session for acquisition of real property.  Clifton made a motion for executive session KSA 75-4319(b)(6) For the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property including three commissioners, Susan Bancroft, Justin Meeks, and Eric Bailey for ten minutes returning at 11:27am.  Jim seconded.  All approved.  Clifton made a motion to return to normal session at 11:27am with no action.  Jim seconded.  All approved.

 

Anne Dare commented on last week’s meeting regarding Freedom Frontier.  She stated it is in Freedom’s Frontier management plan that their goal is to influence land use policy.

 

Ashley asked if the commission wanted to give gift cards for Christmas this year as was done last year.  Clifton made a motion to provide $25 gift Visa gift card for each employee.  Jim seconded.  All approved.

 

Lynne made a motion to amend the agenda to allow Eric Bailey time to discuss the landfill.  Jim seconded.  All approved.  Landfill will be open on Thursday, December 23rd until 12 noon.  The landfill will be closed on Friday, December 24th and Saturday, December 25th.

 

Clifton made a motion to go into executive session under KSA 75-4319(b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts and individual proprietorships, held offsite at 200 S Main, including county commissioners, city commissioners, Susan Bancroft, Rob Harrington, and Noble Health returning to resume normal session at 1:30pm.  Jim seconded.  All approved.

 

At 1:30pm Clifton made a motion to return to normal session.  Jim seconded.  All approved.

 

Lynne stated he had received a call regarding the lighting at the hospital at the main entrance.  Jim stated he will check it out.

 

Jim made a motion to adjourn.  Clifton seconded. All approved.

 

Meeting adjourned at 1:35.

 

THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS

(ss) Lynne Oharah, Chairman

(ss) Jim Harris, Commissioner

(ss) Clifton Beth, Commissioner

ATTEST:

Ashley Shelton, Bourbon County Clerk

December 14, 2021, Approved Date

Bourbon County Local News